The Odum City Council held their regularly scheduled Jan. 6, 2026. Mayor Greg Leggett called the meeting to order and prayed the invocation. Due to the absence of Council members, the October, November and December minutes needed to be approved. After a brief discussion, Kevin Higgs made a motion to accept the October, November, and December minutes as e-mailed. Ron Sluder made a second to the motion and the motion carried with a 5-0 Vote.
Committee Reports:
Kathy Rozier had nothing to report.
Kevin Higgs called on Fire Chief Matthew Strickland who informed the council that last months approved items had been ordered and went over the list of items still needed. After a discussion Kathy Rozier made a motion to purchase 22- 1 ½”fire hoses at a cost of $3659.26, Hooks and Handles at $422.89 and a gauntlet at $96.43 for a total of $4178.58 to be taken from SP LOST V funds. Kevin Higgs made a second to the motion and the motion carried with a 5-0 Vote. Kevin Higgs made a motion to take bids on 2 ½ “fire hoses needed and Air-pacs. Ron Sluder made a 2nd to the motion and the motion carried with a 5-0 vote.
Nick Bauer had nothing to report.
Kelsey Baker reported that they are waiting on the gates to come in for the sewer pond.
Ron Sluder had nothing to report.
Police Chief Leon McKinney reported that the approved items from last month’s items had been purchased. The drawer system for the truck has been delivered and is awaiting installation. After some discussion about a grant that is being applied for, Ron Sluder made a motion to approve matching funds up to $7000 from SPLOST funds to pay the balance of the vehicle, if the City of Odum is awarded the grant of $40,000. He also reported that he had picked up 2 generators that were given to the City Police Department through a government program.
At this time Mayor Leggett called on Jim West berry and Neighbors to address the council. They discussed their concerns about the growing “Buzzard Population” in our area, stating that they are causing damage to houses and cars in the area. After a discussion the Mayor asked Council Member Kelsey Baker to look into purchasing a noise making apparatus to deter the birds from the water tanks.
Ron Sluder informed the council that he planned to have a work day at the Recreation ball fields to get the fields ready for the season. He is also going to check on getting lights fixed at the ball fields.
Mayor Greg Leggett brought up the need to finish the Multi-purpose Off-Road Vehicle Ordinance. After a discussion Kevin Higgs made a motion that the Ordinance should simply say “if the Vehicle is in Compliance of all State Guidelines, they are permitted to be on City of Odum Streets” and list those guidelines or attach a hand-out from the State on the issue. Kathy Rozier made a second to the motion and the motion carried with a 5-0 vote. The clerk will get with the City Attorney to amend the proposed ordinance.
Mr. Aubrey Mansfield (Maintenance Supervisor) informed the council that the backhoe was in need of repairs. The estimate of repairs was $5,765.40. He informed them that we need the backhoe on almost daily to complete Water and Sewer tasks as well as Street and Drainage issues. Ron Sluder made a motion to waive the Purchase Policy and do the repairs with money in SPLOST V funds. Kelsey Baker made a second to the motion and the motion carried with a 5-0 vote.
Kevin Higgs made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Nick Bauer made a second to the motion and the motion carried with a 5-0 vote.
With nothing further, Mayor Leggett adjourned the meeting.